See Me Hear Me Love Me: Recent Episodes
Karen Deerwester
Life with kids is messy. We celebrate all the messes...so you know you are not alone! And you GOT this..
Thank you Dr Tara Zuckerman for this much needed conversation on Parent Burnout and Child Meltdowns. Yes...it's about the expectations we put on ourselves! How to feel all the feelings, know we are all learning, know everyone loses it, and know our children are learning too!
When was the "last normal school year"? For 12th Graders, it was 9th Grade. For 6th Graders, it was 3rd Grade. For Kindergartners through 2nd Grade, NEVER! Our preK children were in the 2's. And our Family Time children are all "Covid babies" born during the pandemic!
So, we want to know: How has the isolation, the masking, the social precautions, the talk of catching and/or spreading a virus shaped our children? Is it a short term hiccup based on changes in children's social routines or will there be long term losses and gains that will change social and educational assumptions for a large number of children?
With co-host, Rabbi David Steinhardt and Dr. Marnee Schneider, a Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist from www.drmschneider.com
Why doesn't G-d make Covid go away! Join us as we explore how to answer really hard questions from children when we are struggling with the same questions. How can parents be brave and positive in the face of on-going stress and uncertainty - should they even try? Listen to Rabbi David Steinhardt, psychotherapist and poet Avi Steinhardt, Louie the Blue Monster's observations of being human, and our friend and colleague Allison Sherman asking the really hard parent questions.
This is an inspiring and fearless conversation with Mandi Franklin, pediatric nurse practitioner and children's book author. Her new book is called Is My Best Friend a Robot? The book is truly a gift to young children and families. It gives readers of all ages the words to talk about things we don't understand - whether it's an insulin pump, other childhood illnesses or any misunderstood differences. It is truly a book about curiosity, differences and what it means to be a true friend! Listen to this conversation and you will hear strategies and tools to talk to young children and also to encourage empathy and playfulness! I recommend this book for every home and every classroom. And I recommend Mandi to be a guest reader and speaker. She is a fabulous resource to families!
Here is my favorite poem and a few thoughts on The Learning Poem because all learning really is about emotions, a process of skill building, mistake-making and L E A R N I N G!
For many of us, these are stressful times! They are especially stressful for parents trying to help children manage anxiety when grownup anxiety is so close to the surface. We welcome Tara Kebre, licensed marriage and family therapist from Boca Raton Counseling Center, to help us navigate these challenging times. Tara shares extraordinary hope that it's the connection our children feel that matters most! We can do that, even when we are at a loss for words or the "right" thing to do. Thank you Tara for this valuable and amazing conversation!
You can contact Tara Kebre through www.BocaRatonCounselingCenter.com
Teaching children empathy and the skill of repairing mistakes is developmental and complicated. Here's a great conversation from Karen's new podcast with Rabbi David Steinhardt, called The Language of Ahava. We embrace our imperfections and our mistakes in order to grow and learn...with more love!!! Special Guest, Rabbi Amy Pessah from ASoulfulJourney.com and author of Parenting on a Prayer available from benyehudapress.com
A special preview of Karen's new podcast with Rabbi David Steinhardt, called The Language of Ahava. With special guest Avi Steinhardt and Louis, the Blue Monster! Let's talk about BIG emotions - giving expression to the wild within and feeling safe through the emotional storms.
Check out Monster Insight on Instagram and Facebook for more Louie - song, insights, and the feeling that you are not alone!!!
What to do when your child's angry? When your child can't "hear" your calming messages? Anger is a big, challenging emotion for the children experiencing it and for the parents trying to help, support and guide a child through the emotional storm. Listen to the real struggle with special insights from Dr. Marnee Schneider, a pediatric clinical neural psychologist (see her website - https://www.drmschneider.com/)
At the Table with Marnee and Lauren
Our goal is to raise children who have strong emotional intelligence, who are resilient, resourceful, flexible and experience joy. The developmental arc of emotional intelligence is to move from the amygdala brain to executive function with "whole brain" thinking. Early Childhood Educators have always known that "play" is the way to self-regulation, to meaning-making and to raising competent, capable, socially respectful children. Here are a few takeaways from a Keynote Presentation I'm doing next week called Laughing Our Way to Better Teacher. Laughter and humor and play are essential building blocks for emotional intelligence - not just for teachers but for parents too.
Solo with Karen
Here's an episode from the Archives talking about Setting Limits with Respect when there is resistance, attitude and pushback from your child. With 5 new tips from Karen: Act with Love; Accept Feelings; Know What You Know; Let Go of False Expectations; Baby Steps
Be inspired by The Be Books and Lauren's message of kindness and positivity. Lauren also shares following her dream as a mom and an author
See more about Lauren and The Be Books at www.TheBeBooks.com
In our quest to be "better" in a new year, we often look around and try to get others to change - particularly the all the frustrating things children do. Would you love to change your child's behavior now? I worry that that impatience only adds to escalating frustration and counter-productive responses to kids learning and growing. To us learning and growing! Change requires slowly building and practicing emotional intelligence and cognitive problem-solving skills. It also requires a sense of humor and an I'm-on-your-side connection. Want your child to change NOW? First look at your ability to change something that's frustrating you into something better.
Just Karen at the Table...
I'm excited for Part 2 of my conversation with Alexis Cobo, Computer, Science & Technology Specialist at Pinecrest School in Boca Raton. In this podcast, Alexis shares insights and recommendations for helping children to interact thoughtfully with Artificial Intelligence devices in the home. It's a new world of technology in the home that is not going away so let's help children and families use and engage meaningfully with a new generation of smart devices and toys.
Thank you Alexis!!! You can follow Alexis on Twitter at @agatorbites
This is not a tech toy shopping list. It's better. It's how children engage and play with technology in order to create thinking and problem solving skills to be innovators and creators. My hope is that, as parents listen to my favorite science & tech specialist, they will learn how thinking and collaboration skills are more essential than ever. Tech is here to stay and we have an exciting opportunity to communicate and guide young children to become thinkers and problem solvers...through play.
At the Table with Alexis Cobo, Computer, Science and Technology Specialist at Pine Crest School in Boca Raton. You can follow her on Twitter @ agatorbites
Here's a little reminder to step back from holiday stress to think of how your family, even the youngest children, can help others and receive "the gift of giving"
from the Archives #Giving and Receiving!
Back from the NAEYC Conference, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and proud and inspired to be an Early Childhood educator!!! Here's a podcast from the archives on the Power of Comfort Objects - wishing everyone the comfort and emotional support of feeling safe. Emotional intelligence and that unconditional love IS the foundation of all learning and growing.
Gratitude and Emotional Intelligence go hand in hand - both are skills that require practice to develop fully. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence suggests three parts to a "gratitude practice": paying attention, writing about it, and expressing it to "complete the feeling of connection". As we teach young children a "gratitude practice", I suggest first help them to stop and recognize the moments of value and their own feelings (See Me Hear Me Appreciate what matters to me). Second, create age-appropriate routines to make gratitude an ongoing habit. And finally, create action to express that gratitude to others and that gives children the power to help others from a place of abundance and resourcefulness.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Temperament is the key to managing change, comfort, skill building and so much more! Listen to this important conversation from the Archives!
This conversation is on behalf of all the parents experiencing the stress, anxiety and confusion over baby and child gastro issues - from contradictory info in the media, best and worst advice from friends and family, to serious medical challenges.
At the Table with the highly respected and thoughtful pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr Yoni Fuchs from Joe DiMaggio Children Hospital in Hollywood Florida.
There are few things sadder and harder than saying good bye to a pet. Each child, each age and stage of development, each parent and each family has different and unique ways of managing the reality of saying good bye to a pet. This conversation is beautiful exploring the unique relationships we have with our pets and how to consider our own needs and the needs of the children as we prepare for those really tough conversations.
At the Table with Kim, Elana and Meaghan
This is a follow-up to Episode #195 with Newborn Moms describing What No One Told Us about those insane first 2 months. Here's the Dad conversation!!! You will love it. These dads are all-in heart &, soul and mind - and full-on in-love with these mysterious little babies who change everything in a family.
At the Table with Gregg, Justin and Adam
One from the Archives that was originally titled "I Did Everything Wrong" - Yes! Learning and growing, for parents as well as for kids, means mistake-making, uncertainty and risk. If we can manage that "messiness" as grown-ups, we will discover the best tools to teach children resilience and true growth.
At the Table with Alana Lipman and Rachel Sobel from Whine and Cheez - its
Becoming a parent is monumental. Moms and dads need support and understanding navigating changing roles, changing routines, changing relationships, not to mention all the physical and emotional upheaval. Meet Dr. KC Charette, a clinical psychologist in Boca Raton who is also the Coordinator for Post Partum Support International in Broward and Palm Beach Counties - here to talk about "how to not be hard on yourself" and getting support for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD.
Thank you Dr. KC Charette from www.KCCharette.com
Oh, what a journey! From Baby Class to PreK! With every year and new stage of development, children grow and change and parents grow and change. Here are three moms who started that journey in Baby Class at Family Time and are now beginning the last year in preschool. I'm excited for their journey and proud to have been able to watch their children grow these last four years. Bravo - it's exciting and complicated to meet children's needs through ever-changing ages and stages.
At the Table with Anupa, Tylah and Bea
Tummy Time is the foundation for all future growth and learning! Listen to Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Shannon Vinsentin, talk about the value and benefits of Tummy Time and how parents can ease babies into positive floor time experiences.
As so many are getting involved to help the Bahamas post-hurricane, be sure to teach your children that they are the helpers too! When we give, we also learn how to receive. This is a reminder of children becoming part of family and community efforts to make a difference in the world. Instead of being overwhelmed by tragedy and suffering, teach your child that they can help.
From the Archives with Summer and Phyllis
Here's a short and fun conversation between Ms Amy and me, co-teaching in Family Time classes for the last 15 years. See Me Hear Me Love Me is part of our daily-weekly-ongoing practice as we observe and discuss what's happening in classes. What motivates a child's behavior? What engages each child? How to respond, stretch and optimize experiences and interactions. And, how to support and "see" parents wherever they are in their on-going journey.
With gratitude and appreciation for an essential collaboration for me. Thank you Ms Amy!!!
Let's explore the feelings and needs beneath children's behavior - starting with tantrums! Looking at the See Me Hear Me Love Me tools we need to understand children's behavior. We revisit a podcast from the archives - Tantrums and Fairy Dust.
I believe in preschool because I believe Early Childhood Educators are the best protectors of childhood. Preschools celebrate innocence and curiosity, messy play and the building blocks of lifelong learning. Preschools comfort and encourage, accept and strive....They are places where children learn to love and love to learn.
Here's the conversation for all the times books and parenting advice fall short. It's the conversation for children knowing better and not doing better. It's for parents who are tired, exhausted, bruised and battered from living with strong, opinionated, tireless children. How to look, listen and connect with the moment of sanity and flip the script to something a thousand times less frustrating.
At the Table with Stephanie and Rachel Sobel from WhineandCheezits.com
Here is a podcast about responding to all the crazy-making situations in parenting with practical wisdom of how to connect-teach-guide your child to becoming a person you you truly enjoy and respect. Bravo Dr. Marnee Schneider, pediatric, clinical, neuro psychologist practicing in Boca Raton FL - https://www.drmschneider.com/.
Here are 2 moms of babies looking back at the first 2 months with their babies! Who is this new person that changes everything you know, think, feel and do? Their perspective is truly amazing - all that they discovered about themselves, their partners, and, of course, their babies!!! Falling in love!!!
At the Table with Elena and Joelle
Our continuing conversation with moms who are juggling work demands, family demands and self-care. How do they manage schedules, planning and all the unforeseen challenges of holding it all together?
Bravo to all they do, all they are and all the ways they are reshaping roles and responsibilities!
At the Table with Alison, Pooja and Rachel
We can set boundaries for children without saying "no" and without scolding. The challenge is can you flip all those "no's" into saying what you really want and guiding your child to the "this is how we do it" choice - grown-up & child on the same side with the acceptance that children don't always "like" less impulsive ways of doing things but we remain present to lead-guide-teach without anger, frustration, manipulation and intimidation.
Solo with Karen
Temperament IS the key to parenting and teaching. As we understand our own temperament style and each child's temperament style, we grow in understanding and connection - to become the best parents and teachers we can be.
At the Table with Brooke and Laurie
Divorce brings lots of feelings of fear and uncertainty. Change is hard. But here are two extraordinary women talking about the emotional support and knowledge that it takes to manage the family and financial decisions that come with divorce. And....confirmation that divorce is NOT contagious but knowledge is power!
At the Table with Tara Kebre from Boca Raton Counseling Center and Stacey Blass from Cohen Blass Law
Big emotions are a part of every new beginning, every new step in development - particularly starting Camp or School. Listen as these 3 moms describe the emotions and the process of growing in independence, confidence and trust. With insights from a, Early Childhood program Director who truly listens and supports each child and family.
At the table with Trisha, Stacey, Rachel and Naomi
Dads are redefining what it means to be a dad. Listen as these dads describe their emotional commitment to being the kind of dads they strive to be. They want to give their children everything their children need - that means being nurturers and coaches. This is heart-to-heart parenting!!! Bravo Dads!
At the Table with Ryan, Craig, Jamey and Brian Vondruska (author of The Kind of Parent You Are)
Listen to this conversation from the archives about the emotional skill building found in comfort objects!
At the table with Jenn, Michele and Dustin
How to raise a daughter, or a son, who feels strong and confident in her voice and her choices, particularly in a world where it might be easy to grow without a sense of your own needs, your own ideas and your own sense of self. And...not saying "sorry" for opinions, ideas, being different or standing alone!
at the Table with Cara, Trisha and Adam
Listen to three very different Adoption Stories that help us all to be more aware and more sensitive in our language and our understanding of families and family stories.
At the table with Elana, Angelique and Brandy
Early Childhood professionals know how much Early Childhood matters to brain development, to learning and growing, to realizing a child fullest potential. Here's invaluable insight from a Dad who knows first hand that the choices they made when their boys were young planted seeds a decade later. What you do matters!!! What you teach matters! You'll love this conversation reassuring new dads and new parents to believe in what they do!!!
At the Table with Seth
Listen to an experienced parent talk about years of Summer and Weekly unplugging! You will be wowed by the deep and profound impact of "disconnecting" from technology and screens in order to "connect" to self, others and experiences!!! Not to be missed!
from the Archives with Stephanie Englander
Listen as we discuss what rules are important in a particular family and how different parents set those rules. Mean Moms? Good Moms? Loving Moms? Everyone finds their own parenting style. What matters most is reflecting on what works for you and for each of your children and finding your own way to teaching, guiding and loving your children.
At the Table with Stacey, Meredith and Nicole
Inuit parents use storytelling to help children manage difficult situations. They do so without yelling and without scolding through stories, play and imagination. Here are a few of my thoughts on how we can learn from Inuit parents and create our own stories and narratives to raise children with kindness and understanding. This is the beginning of an ongoing conversation of reflecting on the stories that create meaning and connection in our lives and in our culture.
Love to hear your thoughts on stories, meaning-making, culture and personal development.
The book "Yes Day" by Amy Krause Rosenthal challenges us to change our routines and be less predictable. It challenges us to give children voice and power while trusting that we can all be safe in their choices. The surprise of trying our own "yes days" is that we learn so much about ourselves, our comfort zone, and nest of all, our children's comfort zones and their needs. Enjoy this archive podcast as 3 families describe how Yes Days go for them!
At the Table with Jessica, Amy and Logan
Managing all the stuff in a home is complicated enough and then you add in kids who have their own emotional attachment to stuff and their own resistance to clean-up and organizing. Tips and reality come together in this podcast to help you find your personal organizing style.
At the Table with Alexis, Laura and Paulina
Are we listening to Dad Stories? I'm pretty sure Dads are carrying a big load of emotional parenting on their shoulders. Listen to what they are juggling day-to-day, their worries, their hopes, their love.
At the Table with Grant and Ben
Let's revisit why social-emotional skills are so important for Kindergarten and life success. Listen as Early Childhood educators discuss how kids learn best. This is a replay of Episode #142
At the Table with Stephanie, Naomi and Alana
Emotions may be the most important key to understanding ourselves and creating deeply loving, nurturing relationships. Today we talk about baby emotions, toddler emotions, how layered and complex emotions feels as children grow into personhood. We also talk about grown-up emotions - how we as parents and teachers revisit and re-experience all kinds of messy emotions too. Emotional Intelligence is a lifelong skill and truly THE foundation of See Me Hear Me Love Me.
At the table with Elana
This podcast is filled with heart as you hear the joy of raising children with family connection to grown siblings, cousins and parent traditions. Yes, it goes way too fast but it the sharing of our stories, ourselves, and our the day-to-day of our children that holds time a little longer. Savor the lightning speed of children growing by sharing the memories that slow down time.
At the Table with Samantha, Stephanie and Lili
Getting ready for Baby #2 is different from getting ready for your first child because you already know how a baby changes your world and your life. This time you are preparing your first born too - to be a big brother or sister, to share Mommy & Daddy, and to be part of a bigger family. You also wrestle with the question of "how will I love another child as much as I do my first"? And....you will!
At the Table with Alexis, Stephanie and Olivia
Tinkering is the fun road to big STEM thinking and learning. Listen as two parents and educators talk about the play, innovation, discovery and tinkering that builds STEM skills in young children. This podcast is about taking time and creating opportunities for problem solving and curiosity, small parts and nature. Tinkering is all about hands-on experiences with all the deep questions that children bring to learning.
At the table with Lindsey and Katey
Listen to the insights of body-brain development from Jodi Dietz, owner of Dietz Pediatric Therapy. Give your child the joy of movement to unlock their fullest potential for all learning!
Had to have this mini Pocket Rant when someone shared this article with me - The Sexist History of Women's Pockets: https://medium.com/verve-up/the-bewildering-and-sexist-history-of-womens-pockets-1edf3a98117
Hope it helps us all reflect on how what children wear impact attitude, confidence and mastery in the world.
Are you ready for potty training? Is your child ready for potty learning? Begin with a respect for your child's readiness and your child's ability to manage his or her body in a million different situations. Meet your child exactly where he or she is, know the pieces of the potty puzzle that need to come together, and be the person that helps your child connect the dots to success and mastery.
Here's one from the archives, originally titles Parents: United and Separate - how to respect differences and come together when it matters! Revisiting because we know the secret is Communication!!! And respect!
At the table with Dustin, Tara, Motti and Stacey
Parent peace is always elusive and it's even harder as your child grows in independence and sassiness. Listen as these parents follow up on Episode #90 - the ongoing challenge of parent peace and power.
At the table with Kim, Dylan and Stacey
With the help of B'nai Torah's TLC coordinator, Tzedakah, Learning & Chesed, we can shift our perception and awareness to see all the possible ways we can be involved in our communities. Families with young children can create on-going habits to respond to the needs of others in ways that are meaningful and engaging for all - from toddlers to grown-ups. And...it can be done without being guilty or overwhelmed.
At the table with Summer and Phyllis
Today's podcast is with two extraordinary people who inspire me and steer me regularly towards hope, purpose and meaning. Today they share their vision looking forward - what gives them hope and purpose as they create a vital community for families to feel connected and less alone. Listen as they show us all how to grow together - perfectly imperfect.
At the table with Rabbi David Steinhardt and Naomi Gordon
As we talk about sex after baby, we see that sex is about couple-care and self-care - essential to emotional well-being for parents and for families. Listen to Rebecca Ginder, LCSW and certified sex therapist, with two moms of babies under one year talk about great communication to build a strong, happy relationship.
At the table with Rebecca, Jen and Ashley
The stories of working moms remind us that everyone creates and discovers what works for them and honoring those choices are the only way to sanity. It's never easy and it's always filled with compromises but Moms truly got this!!!
At the table with Nicole, Kristin and Julie
revisiting Episode #90 Parents wake up every day with the intention of being peaceful, calm, understanding and deeply loving. If you have a young child, chances are you begin to lose that peace early in the day - especially if you're trying to get out the door or do anything besides go with the flow. Listen to four thoughtful parents share their challenges and their successes on holding their peace while teaching and respecting their children's emotional development.
At the table with Kim, Emily, Stacey and Dylan
Here's a fun episode with two moms who have found ways to stay sane and organized by making life easier for themselves - partnering with "domestic dads", being realistic about what needs to get done every day, and tapping into their inner-nurturer.
At the table with Lindsay Maisner and Olivia Nachmany
Here are three amazing moms with 20/20 hindsight for their Mom Journey! There's true wisdom in what they understand about themselves and their children and also the priceless experience of having shared their journeys with friends who honor and accept their vulnerability in all the challenging moments.
at the table with Marni, Shirley andRachel
Whether you have a child with allergies or know children with allergies, listen to this important podcast. We all need to become aware and informed about the risks and challenges that families face living with realities. The number of children with allergies is growing and the intensity of those allergies is more severe. We all need to be better informed and more conscientious of this new reality for kids and families.
At the table with Rochelle, Jennifer, Katie and Marcie
Listen as these moms manage and organize and plan for their needs and the needs of their children and families. Bravo to the working moms who "keep it working together" by knowing what works and what doesn't for them!!!
At the table with Lauren B, Lauren C, and Karol...
Today we look at how to know what your child needs in a stressful, overwhelming world. We talk about anxiety and joy, pressure and perfection, confidence and vulnerability. When faced with the question of how much "truth" should children know, we discover just the right amount of "truth" to help them grow and thrive in difficult times. And we are reassured by their innocence and ability to manage the world in child-sized pieces.
At the table with Trisha and Danielle.
Here's a very special podcast recorded at Temple Tikvah in New Hyde Park, NY where we met to talk about what it means to be a Jewish family in a busy, complicated world. What are the challenges and obstacles? What are the stories, the values, and the choices that help you create a hopeful future for children? This podcast is a celebration of all that is messy in the choices families make - the contradictions, the ambiguity and the iterations of deciding what is meaningful to you and your family.
At the Table with Rabbi Randy Sheinberg, Dee Dee Horowitz, Nicole Taylor and Victor Kahn
Cancer Hates Kisses is the name of a children's book written to help children feel strong and safe after someone in their family is diagnosed with cancer. This podcast is Part 2 of Episode #150 When Parents Get Sick. Listen as these Super Hero Moms share their strength and show you all the ways they "kick cancer's butt"!
At the Square Table with Jennifer and Janina
Yikes....everything you ever wanted to know about me?!? Yes, I'm in the hot seat with two fun and amazing parents interviewing me!
At the table with Stacey and Jayne
Living with kids is a LOT like improv since they aren't very good at staying on "script"! So, instead of resisting and reacting to the messiness of life-with-kids, let's meet them where they are and see what happens. Improv techniques are the "see me, hear me, love me" of parenting. Try it for a day and see what happens using these improv techniques: 1, Yes...and; 2. Listen; 3. Commit; 4. Dare to suck. You might find it a lot more fun and just a little liberating from one-right-way parenting.
Solo with Karen
Powerful, fearless girls are self-directed, curious, all-in,masterful, maybe a little relentless, but definitely risk-takers. They often defy gender and age expectations for toddlers and children. And they often challenge parents and others who guide and lead them to safer choices and more socially acceptable behaviors.
Let's hear from the Dads about the pride and challenges of raising these power girls! At the Tble with Jon, Darren and Chris
Everyone needs a good rant - to let out all those contradictory and complex feelings and thoughts that coexist with the joy and meaningfulness of being a mom. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about Momhood, sanity, expectations, who's carrying the emotional weight of kids and family, What seems unrealistic, unreasonable and just maybe a little unfair.
At the table with Leorah and Trasha
This is a must-hear episode of the things you believe you can never handle - mom getting sick or dad having a terrible accident. Listen and discover strength, bravery and hope in the face of the impossible.
At the table with Stacey, Bonnie and Michelle
Here's Part 2 of the Strong Willed Child conversation. This time we speak to parents of school-age children. "Strong willed" isn't something kids grow out of but they do learn better self management skills, a little emotional flexibility and social-emotional adaptability. It's all about teaching emotional intelligence and problem solving.
At the table with Lauren and Stephanie
Parents of strong willed children are extraordinary because they must find a way that is respectful, nurturing and guiding without taking away a child's age-appropriate power. It's not easy but, with respect and deep understanding, these children grow into powerful leaders with strong voices.
At the Table with Kim, Brooke and Rita
Listen as we revisit Episode #96 to hear how parents manage Back to School tears and fears with emotional resilience and trust.
Body love - body hate - body shame? Facing our body in the mirror and teaching our daughters to be okay with all the body moments.
This conversation is honest and real and filled with questions and themes for all of us to continue to explore. Bravo to the brave and beautiful moms at the table with me
at the table with Rachel, Alicia, Jessica and jill
What matters and what can you let go of? What needs your attention and what can you trust will be okay? Are you a Micromanager Mom stressing over doing everything "your way"? How about a little "benign neglect", a little trust that your child is amazingly capable and your guidance, your teaching and your love will pay off in the long run? You got this!
At the table with Christina, Jenn and Nicole
Screens and technology are challenging in this very connected world. Each family considers and evaluates quantity and quality of use to create their own rules and routines. Listen to these three moms describe how they choose and continue to adjust their technology usage for their families.
At the table with Stacey, Jayne ad Jessica
Here it is - why social-emotional skills are the foundation of all learning! Educators truly care about academic excellence, children reaching their fullest potential and students being academically challenged. We also know that focusing on academics alone, without the complimentary social-emotional skills, is destined to fall short of our highest goals. Here's what children need to be successful in Kindergarten and in life, and why.
At the table with Stephanie, Naomi and Alana
Tips from moms who truly enjoy food, enjoy planning and prepping meals, enjoy being creative in the kitchen. And....share their hacks and short cuts to keep sane. The struggle is real!
Our podcast guest is Elana Ostroff, the PJ Library Director for South Palm Beach County FL. PJ Libary sends free award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children 6 months to 8 years old. In this podcast, Elana and I discuss how personal and meaningful this experience is for families. Beyond creating amazing home libraries, families are sharing intimate moments celebrating being Jewish - discovering traditions and creating new ones for themselves.
Don't forget to listen to PJ Library Radio too!
Summers are definitely not boring with big, open-ended play experiences and parents stepping back to create time and space for deep, genuine, all-in play!
For smaller "adventures", consider making a Boredom Jar with favorite activities - http://www.familytimeinc.com/2018/07/02/a-boredom-jar/
It's a fine line being the parent to grown children and being a grandparent. How do you stay involved and let go? Agree and maybe disagree? Juggle your idea of a wonderful grandparent with your children's idea of a wonderful grandparent? Love and expectations?
At the table with Brenda, Evie and Marilyn
We all know that real kids are very different than the ones we imagine and especially different than the ones in books and on social media. How to adapt to each child's needs is the key to parent sanity and to raising each child to her fullest potential. Listen to two extraordinary parents share their insights and earned wisdom.
At the table with Dylan and Alana
The depth of heartache for recent public suicides touches so many in our communities, particularly women. As I see so many posts of care and compassion, I can't help but wonder are we doing our part in this social puzzle. Are we creating safe places for children, for families, for women, for men, for the lost, lonely, scared, forgotten and invisible? Are we teaching about emotional intelligence so that honest emotions can be "seen, heard, and acknowledged"? Are we living with the "messiness of life-with-kids" instead of the myth of perfect lives? I choose in my classroom, in our school, in this podcast....to listen, to hear, to see, to care. We can do this together and you are not alone.
Wishing you a time for daydreaming this Summer! And time to encourage daydreaming in your children. My 3 tips for creativity and daydreaming: 1. Allow and Accept 2. Play with "what if" 3. Celebrate the quiet in each child
How-When-If to incentivize children's behavior is a genuine question for parents and teachers. Are there effective ways to use if-then motivation? Do external motivations help children to learn to make great choices, tackle challenging skills, do what they are asked, to be responsible and to learn to manage themselves and the rules around them. As you will hear, the answers are not always black and white. The answer may depend on individual children in specific situations for specific goals.
At the table with Jamey, David and Dr. Marnee Schneider
Traveling with children, especially younger children, takes a special attitude and maybe a few tips from those who actually like traveling with babies and children. Get ready for a fun adventure!
At the Square Table with Cara and Anupa
This episode is Karen thinking outloud about "who's in charge" and how parents, and grown-ups, walk that balance between guiding-teaching-leading and honoring each child's voice and choice. Here's where I believe we start: 1. Always believe you are on the same side as your child. 2. Connect with your child's need to feel seen-heard-loved. 3. Become the best you can be at understanding what is needed in a particular moment. 4. Learn together what works and what doesn't work for both of you (parent and child), for your family, and for moving forward together.
See NPR article mentioned - Secrets of a Maya Supermom: what parenting books don't tell you by Michaeleen Doucleff
Parenting is exhausting! Sleep deprived, managing the needs of children, trying to manage the demands of work and life commitments. One writer described it as physically, mentally and spiritually exhausting. Listen to two extraordinary moms peel away the layers of their exhaustion - different kinds of exhaustion for different ages and stages of parenthood. There is hope!
At the Square Table with Lindsey and Laura
Here are two moms who still enjoy planning and cooking for their families, even with busy schedules. Be inspired by a love of healthy food and sharing meals together. And learn the secrets of prep to cut down on tons of mealtime stress.
At the table with Lauren and Nancy....
The power of comfort objects is to hold "love" in your hands - to feel safe, secure, to find emotional comfort, competence and courage that comes from connection and loving attachment. Listen to this conversation about the benefits of comfort objects for children and the lasting relationship of comfort objects into adulthood. Comfort objects are emotional "training wheels", encouraging emotional growth, risk-taking and enhancing social connections.
At the table with Jennifer, Michele and Dustin
"Who knew I'd feel every emotion known to man? Who knew I'd love so much? Who knew I'd have 3 mirrors walking around imitating my behavior". After seeing the vlog by Jennifer Alembik from Wise Owl Coaching, I knew I needed to have a podcast conversation with her. Hope you enjoy the wisdom and warmth of Jenny's reflection on her parenting and how her coaching others informs her relationship with own three children.
At the table with Jennifer....
In this very special conversation with Emily Teck, Jewish Early Childhood Educator-Musician-Mom, we explore creating Jewish family experiences that engage and include our youngest children. Emily shares her parenting experiences and her Ph.D. research to connect with young children's developmental and spiritual needs and understanding.
Parents might feel like they are suppose to love every age and stage of children's development...can't be! Some love the baby stage. Some love powerful, independent stages. I believe reflecting on our favorite and least favorite developmental stages gives us tremendous insight into knowing our parenting strengths and struggles. It allows us to understand the stages of parent development that accompany each stage of child development and allows us to grow into their fullest selves.
At the table with Susie and Brette
The goal of this podcast is to open the door to conversations about gun safety in homes, to begin to acknowledge the reality that a significant number of families with young children keep guns in their home and children a playing and visiting those homes with different levels of adult supervision. Let's talk about the conversations parents have with other parents and the conversations parents with their children about guns.
At the table with Rabbi David Englander, Jonathan, Bea and Charles
It's Springtime at The Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center and the chicks are hatching!!! Listen to the magic of this experience!
At the table With Ms. Debbie
Sharing this special conversation with an extraordinary teacher and woman - the woman who generously gives to children and to parents every day, who shares her heart, her experience and her wisdom with all of us at Family Time, and the person who adds joy and sunshine (and a ton of efficiency) to my day!!!
Thank you Amy!!!!
Sensory play is essential to learning, to growing, to mastery, to problem solving, to self-direction, to self-regulation, to playing well with others! And...it's even more valuable in a world of structured activities and screen time. Enjoy this short conversation with OT, Jodi Dietz from Dietz Pediatric Therapy who shows me how sensory play is also essential to Emotional Intelligence - WOW!
Thanks Jodi!
A few gender-neutral parenting suggestions from Karen...because the differences between boys and girls may be real but the differences from child to child are far more interesting. And children need the best social-emotional skills have to help them grow and learn.
A few thoughts on managing the difficult emotions and the crisis in our community after the shootings at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. The concept of "holding space" might help and is an essential part of emotional literacy and emotional intelligence that we, as Early Childhood Educators, hope to teach every day.
What could be more fun that giving your child a "Yes Day", based on the book by Amy Krause Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld? As with all parenting ideas, it will play out differently for each parent and each child. So, listen to this Yes Day stories so you can create the best Yes Day that works for you and allows your child to feel safe with all that new freedom.
At the table with Amy, Logan and Jessica
Today we celebrate the power and the strengths of the quiet child - the watchful child, the slow-to-warm-up temperament.
Language learning is magical when we connect it to thinking and feelings. Language gives us the power to capture our world in words, to share it with others and to understand experiences. It is so much more than "use our words" which adds to frustration and confusion. Let's choose skill-building and deep understanding.
Make it a Yes Day and say YES to play, YES to mistakes, YES to time, YES to creativity....and thank you for being "enough".
Children learn body image not from a mirror on the wall. They learn it reflected in your eyes Show your child with words and actions that her body is a source of pride and joy.
Be sure to revisit earlier podcasts #29 and #36 for great conversations with moms and dads on Body Image
Here's one mom's story of raising her son from babyhood to college. Sandy had a mission to be Neil's personal coach, guide and teacher. Like every parent, she also had to learn who Neil was and wanted to be, and help him find his own voice and path in the world. I hope one day Sandy will share with the world all her stories, games, conversations and video she has talking to Neil, explaining the world the Neil, celebrating questions and teaching problem solving so that Neil would grow with curiosity and wonder.
At the table with Sandy and Neil...
Talking with children is connecting and being present to their thoughts, feelings and experiences. It takes a bit of trial-n-error to discover how to talk to your child with respect while understanding what they can and can't understand, and how to avoid over-talking.
At the table with Alexis
Parents, especially moms, are master multi-taskers. Yet, there are times when times when multi-tasking is efficient and helpful and others when it's not. Children need to feel connected in order to listen, learn and grow. Here are a few suggestions of how to connect to your child through all the busyness of a day.
Children with autistic characteristics need all the same things as children who do not have any autistic behaviors - love, respect, emotions, attachment and understanding of their wants and needs. We can all open our hearts to the differentness in our world and support one another through the fear and anxiety of parenting. As Dr. Darling says, "the child you get is the kind of parent you become". This podcast is about hope, courage and love.
At the table with Dr. Sharon Darling from the Department of Exceptional Student Education at Florida Atlantic University.
When I asked myself, what do I look to in toys? This was my answer - after magic, fun, imagination, curiosity and discovery, I arrived at it's the "ahhhhhh" moment - the deep, genuine, personal emotional connection each child feels when they play with something meaning-filled.
Is being a single parent different than being a two-parent family? maybe yes, maybe no. One thing it most certainly is - it is enough and it is whole! Listen to two moms share how they have created "single mom" families that are everything a child needs to grow, thrive and be loved!
at the table with Bea and Beth
My gratitude message for you this week is: take in all that wonder, pause, say "thank you" out loud. Give yourself and your family mindfulness moments to feel all that you have to celebrate. Find time and space for some Daily Gratitude with your family, especially to honor and recognize all the things that make your family the one-of-a-kind family that it is. And finally, help your child see all the gratitude there is in giving. Giving fills your child up with belonging and purpose.
Happy Thanks giving!!!
Parenting is hard but one person does not have to carry all the emotional burden. With enormous self-awareness and honest communication, moms and dads can redefine each of their roles to better meet their own needs and to give children the benefit of more hands and hearts on-deck.
at the table with Kim, Alana and Rachel
And the question is - does the mental load of parenting fall heavily on the shoulders of moms? Here's a great conversation about how parents carry the emotional load of parenting - the worries, the planning, the weight of all those decisions big and small. All families find their own way - by agreement or by default. Let's just hope moms and dads are okay with how the "burdens" are shared. It can't always be "all joy - no fun" parenting!
at the table with Erin, Tyler and Karol
Here's my take on Episode #16, What Lies Beneath - feelings and needs behind children's behavior. Start with feelings. Address basic needs. And really ask what do I want or need as the parent in this? Parents do not need a Ph.D. to be a parent but it helps to take time to realize your child is a newcomer to a very big, unfamiliar world. And, yes, you do know your child best of all!
Temperament is the key to all parenting - to understanding your child's rhythms and routines, preferences and strengths, ways to comfort, how to encourage new skills and new situations, how to master change and unpredictability. When we understand a child's temperament, we understand that children are individual people with their own way of being in the world.
At the table with Laurie and Brooke
Listen for some timeless wisdom about how to continue to raise resilient, optimistic children in a stressful world. Dr. Aaryn Gottesfeld brings a calm and reassuring voice as she helps us all find our coping strategies in the face of anxiety, worry and uncertainty.
Raising children in bilingual and multilingual homes gives parents a personal and powerful way to share their roots and connections to stories and traditions. It gets complicated though because children don't always embrace everything that parents want to share with them. Here is a great conversation about raising children in multilingual homes that goes beyond language to the heart and soul why language is so personal and changes how our children think, feel and connect to the world.
At the table with Laura, Michelle, Edoardo and Avivit
Stress? What stress? Life is stress. Life-with-kids is messy, chaotic and, in a million ways, chaotic. From general, everyday-life stress to the stressful challenges of living-with-kids - cooperation, routines, negotiations, and all the things that sabotage your best efforts, there is a way through and around every stress.
At the table with Julie and Wendy
Here is a replay of Episode #2: How We Got Our Name - for all our new listeners out there. For me, See Me Hear Me Love Me is a parenting and life mantra that reminds me that relationships are first, above all those "right" parenting choices and philosophies. It is the principle that reminds me that emotional intelligence - honoring each other and ourselves - is the foundation of everything, especially the messiness of life with kids.
Respond to the anxiety and panic of FOMO with See Me Hear Me Love Me, Parent-child problem solving partnerships, and Connecting the dots for learning.
At the table solo with Karen
Here's a short podcast with Karen about helping kids to know understand and communicate what they need. Self awareness becomes the foundation of social-emotional learning including self-management and problem-solving skills. Our goal is to teach children to think and feel at the same time.
Potty training is not about about the potty, or about the pee and the poop. It's about a child learning how to manage his or her body, about learning new skills - physical, cognitive and emotional. It's about bringing all those skills together in thoughts, actions and choices. And, it's about parents guiding, supporting and encouraging while maintaining a fragile power balance of whose in charge. Listen to two parents talk about different children and different strategies. Books help but potty training is individual and personal - The Potty Training Answer Book can help you create a customized plan based on temperament and developmental skills.
at the table with Amy and Lauren
Fears are a normal part of starting something new whether you are 2 or 32 years old. Listen to two caring parents talk about how they manage their emotions as they support and honor their children's back-to-school emotions and transitions. With a special shout-out to The Boca Raton Counseling Center.
At the table with Gabriella and Dustin
We are here to celebrate the messiness of life-with-kids - that means we celebrate mistakes on the way to learning, epic fails for taking a chance, and the embarrassing and humbling moments because we are all-in this magnificent ride. And we are in it together! Bravo to the bold and brave moms who shared their stories with honesty and openness in this episode!
At the table with Rachel and Alana
Setting limits lovingly and respectfully can be a challenge as parents experience the complex emotions and emotional messiness of life-with-kids, especially when reasonable parents are met with resistance, attitude and pushbacks from emotionally assertive children. Listen as these very smart, well-informed, fair and loving parents allow themselves to learn and grow with their children.
at the table with Elise, Lindsey and Jessica
Juggling the busyness and now-ness of being with kids is always challenging. Slow and simple has extraordinary value for kids learning to think and feel and become themselves. Listen to two very busy moms find that balance for their families.
at the table with Jamie and Stacy
Self-care is and must be a priority, and is especially challenging during the early years - with all the physical and emotional needs of young children, the steep learning curve of figuring out your own parenting identity, and figuring out each stage for your ever-changing child. What fills your bucket so you have everything you need to give to others?
at the table with Carly, Melissa and Jessica
This podcast helps parents find their way to consistency and compromise and creating a united front when it really matters while respecting individual differences and different parenting styles.
At the table with Dustin, Tara, Motti and Stacey
Parents wake up every day with the intention of being peaceful, calm, understanding and deeply loving. If you have a young child, chances are you begin to lose that peace early in the day - especially if you're trying to get out the door or do anything besides go with the flow. Listen to four thoughtful parents share their challenges and their successes on holding their peace while teaching and respecting their children's emotional development.
At the table with Kim, Emily, Stacey and Dylan
It's not easy to find and define your own parenting style that fits each individual child. It takes time and heart to figure it out and to find the people and communities that support and honor your choices. Here are three moms who have found their way through feeling different, through not fitting in, to laughing and celebrating their own individual parenting styles and choices.
at the table with Rachel, Marni, and Shirley
Moving can be stressful. Moving with kids adds new levels of complications - time challenges, packing and unpacking, creating emotional stability and supporting changes in what's familiar and routine. Today we talk about the logistics, being organized, the obstacles to being organized, and deciding what matters most when you move your family from house to house or city to city. Listen to two experienced moms with positive insight into moving and a shout out from Brian Vondruska from theKIndofParentYouAre.com.
at the table with Briana and Allysa...
Parents beware of the stress, the expense, and the ever-striving desire to make each and every birthday the most magical day of the year. Instead know that there are thousands of ways to celebrate your child's birthday and still be true to yourself, your sanity, your budget, and most importantly your child's needs and preferences. Have fun without competition and crazy-making expectations.
at the table with Katie, Lauren and Stephanie....
We talk alot about big emotions for toddlers. Today, the conversation is big emotions for Moms. Even when you and your child are well prepared for starting school or summer camp, there are complex, contradictory and sometimes overwhelming feelings that mark the experience. Taking time to pause and reflect on those powerful emotions is part of every parent's emotional journey. Those feelings are normal and they are right. You got this and you are not alone.
At the table with Alexis and Anessa
Unplugging from technology, whether it's for a few hours, a day or as part of a summer routine, will change everything! Listen as this experienced parent and educator creates the skills and the routines to help her family unplug. The benefits are enormous - children who know who they are and who they are becoming, children who know each other better, a family who has a deep openness to learning and curiosity, who create meaningfulness based on reflection and connection, and who have the ability to share stories and memories based on "how something felt" not merely "how something looked". This podcast shows us all how to create a life connected to self, to each other and to the world!
At the table with Stephanie
Being a parent means learning each new age and stage along with your child and, mostly, it's trying your best through uncertainty and doubt. But "If you knew then, what you know now", you would know that everything works out, that your child will grow and thrive through all the challenging times, and things that are overwhelming now will be the foundation of your best parenting one day.
At the table with Erica, Randi and Pam
Listen as two strong, creative, busy, fearless, action-oriented mom entrepreneurs talk about dreams and family. Be inspired by their honesty of honoring themselves, of creating mom-friendly businesses and of being there for their kids and families. They know what they need, personally and professionally. They make choices daily that nurture their families, their businesses and themselves. You will love their honesty and their realism!
at the table with Michelle and Lynn
Today's podcast brings together two strong, resilient and resourceful couples who shared the heartbreak of infertility and the challenges of surrogacy. Through their experiences, they learned about mutual support and the ups-and-downs of uncertainty and dreams deferred. Now, they have lots to share with other parents facing the emotional roller coaster of life-with-kids.
At the table with Alex, David, Marissa and Joe
The preschool years are an incredible journey of growth and change but these years are also a safe haven in a complicated world both for children and for parents. Listen as three remarkable parents say "good bye" to the preschool years as their youngest children approach graduation. Excitement and pride for the children and the next school experience...Yes! But there's also a bit of sadness and grief for all those "last times". Feel the feelings, honor the moments and celebrate what is.
At the table with Dalia, Jessica and Shirley
Vision and movement are essential to learning. Visual processing skills gained through movement, play and interacting with people and environments are the foundation for learning, thinking and mastery in almost every aspect of life. Listen as a developmental/behavioral Optometrist and a developmental educator share their insights into the best ways to support children reach their fullest potential.
At the table with Dr Lampert and Mira Halpert
How do we shift from discipline as policing and enforcing rules to skill-building and self-management? When are children hearing our messages and listening to our guidance as we try to teach right from wrong? How do we give them responsibility for their behavior while setting high expectations for their capacity to understand and choose well? These are the questions that shape our reactions to all the mistakes and challenges of children pushing, testing and experimenting with what they can and cannot do. It's a never-ending dance between parent and child - learning and growing together.
At the table with Laura and Shannon
Social media creates unique challenges to everyone today, particularly parents. The value of sharing with others others and connecting to distant friends and family is enormous. But appearances and comparisons and the illusion of perfection begin to change our real-time interactions and how we measure up against those images and ideals. This conversation may help you find your balance and the genuine connections that sustain you in those very "connected" world.
At the table with Yev and Kim
The 2nd Annual World of Early Childhood Teachers podcast gives parents the opportunity to hear how teachers experience their commitment to children and families. Teachers bring heart to everything they do and through those extraordinary relationships with children, they create a magical world of learning, loving and growing.
at the table with Lani, Missy and Tina
Here it is - a conversation on tantrums that will give your peace about tantrums. Tantrums are part of childhood (and adulthood too when things gets overwhelming) and part of the journey to social-emotional skill building. Our goal is to sprinkle the fairy dust on all the emotional messiness so children can feel safe in the emotional storms and parents can bring calm to the crazy-making moments that are part of living with children.
At the table with Brooke, Rita and Rachel
Seder stress is real, especially if you have an mobile baby, an active toddler or a precocious preschooler. Not to worry - you can make a kid-friendly Seder that embraces the chaos of young children and creates meaningful traditions for your family. Be sure to include opportunities for kid-sized philanthropy and generosity to others. Thanks to Houses for Change for a perfect activity - kids with homes helping kids without.
At the table with Cara and Mark
Taking care of yourself is essential but especially for parents. Here are 10 reasons why taking care of yourself matters for your children. Children need grown-ups to show them how to manage ordinary stress, live with flexibility and create healthy emotional lives. Children need the skills, the role-models and the daily reassurances to learn and grow emotionally. Taking care of yourself is not optional.
Postpartum depression is not rare nor should it be a silent shame. We want to break the taboo and let moms know they are not alone and they do not have to go through this struggle alone. Most importantly, they didn't do anything wrong to feel this way and having Postpartum depression does NOT make you a bad mom.
At the table with Stacey and Shannon
Parents are faced with the heart-wrenching challenge of protecting their children against anti-Semitism and hatefulness. Children can't understand the adult realities of bomb threats and violence so we must start with our own anxieties and fears in order to comfort, protect and lead children through complicated times. Listen to this hope-filled podcast and know we are stronger together. In the words of Rabbi David Steinhardt, we can "create community where people are capable of expressing love".
At the table with Rabbi Steinhardt, Elana and Dylan
Here it is - dads supporting dads! Dads writing their own path to understanding and raising kids! You'll laugh. You might cry a few tender hearted tears. What makes a dad the father he is? Listen to these 4 awesome dads!!!!
At the table with Peter, Ben, Joshua and Grant
In a world of overwhelming and contradictory medical and child development information, it might seem harder and harder for parents to find a pediatrician they can trust. Today's guests are proof that a relationship of trust and mutual respect is possible. Listen to how they built that relationship and discover the secrets to creating more trust in the world - for the professionals who make up your family village, for yourselves as parents, and to be discerning in a world of Google.
At the table with Debra, Robert, Ashley and Dr. Chad Rudnick from Boca VIPediatrics.
Choosing Kindergarten and an elementary school can feel overwhelming, like it might define your child and all their future opportunities. Sometimes schools and media present the choice as all-or-nothing or right-and-wrong. Here's a conversation about the stress of too many good choices. How do you choose when every choice works and no choice has it all? Diversity or like-minded community? Academics and sports? Doesn't every child deserve unique, awesome, the best of the best? What if your family doesn't have unlimited funds? Is good-enough okay?
At the Square Table with Jamey and Lauren
It takes a balance of freedom and support to raise capable, resourceful, resilient children who know the help and the guidance when they need it.The perfect balance is individual and personal, unique to every parent and child, that continually adapts and changes to new situations, new skill building, and greater emotional understanding. You got this. And...I got you.
at the table with Karen
Comfort objects are very personal to young children. The attachments are deep and powerful and it's not always easy to know how and when to help your child transition to other forms of comfort and security. But that emotional journey is very much part of growing - here are a few suggestions and an introduction to The Pacifier Tree.
at the table with Karen
Families want their children to be safe and loved. They want someone who understands their needs and priorities. The parent-nanny relationship is certainly more than a typical job because it has such deep family connections. But it also comes with layers of expectations and emotions, and sometimes...guilt.
Today we talk about the successes and a few of the frustrations with finding the right nanny for your family, your child ad your lifestyle.
At the table with Stacey and Melissa
This podcast is full of hope and optimism with three extraordinary women whose daily practices help them find strength, courage, patience, calm and unconditional love to manage day-to-day life with kids. They speak from experience and as writers and teachers bringing mind, body and spirit together.
At the table with Louise Goldberg, author of Classroom Yoga Breaks and Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs; Meryl Davids Landau, author of Enlightened Parenting and Downward Fog; and Natalie Kline Sager, "modern hippie momma".
Helicopteryness is so much more interesting when we suspend judgment and explore the what, how and why behind it. What is a helicopter grandparent? Is it hovering, speaking up, wanting to give advice from decades of experience? Listen to these three grandfathers who are creating an on-going, loving relationship with their grown children and their grandchildren. We all benefit from heartfelt communication and heaftful listening.
At the table with Roberto, Bruce, Fred and Laura
Toddlers are the Xkids - Xtreme emotions, Xtreme growth, Xtreme challenges. Growth is exponential, their power is raw and relentless, and yet, they need us in an all-out resistance kinda way! Listen to these parents of toddlers find ways to support their very independent toddlers by celebrating that independence, making space and time for their powerful toddlers to learn and grow.
At the table with Alexis, Anessa and Courtney
This podcast is a repeat of an earlier podcast but one with a message for teaching children kindness and generosity from the earliest ages and stages. Young children may struggle with impulse control and delayed gratification but they are also thoughtful and generous when given the opportunity. Gratitude and generosity are habits we set early. Look around and see all the wonderful ways to help others and get engaged in the world beyond your own doors.
Here's a favorite for New Year's - hope everyone feels the contagion of discovering what fills your heart, in addition to kids and family. Because when moms follow their passion and take a leap for themselves, everyone benefits.
Happy Holidays and Happy 2017!
No one wants to be a helicopter parent but everyone has some degree of helicopteryness (thank you Jenn for the perfect word). Finding the right balance between over-worrying and being too laid back is an on-going process that changes with each child and stage of development. Listen to how these parents navigate being all-in, loving, teaching, supportive parents and give their children the space and time to learn, make mistakes, discover and grow.
At the table with Jenn, Ben and Samantha
Most parents want a childhood for their children where they are free to roam, to take risks and to have unsupervised, unstructured play. Some parents build giant playgrounds in their backyards. Some create communities of like-minded parents to celebrate unplugged values. Others grow a little more comfortable day-by-day with open-ended play and risk-taking in very natural ways. Here are two parents who figured out how to live with the bumps and bruises as their children learn and grow and explore.
At the table with Kim and Jessica
When we talk about toys shopping, we are talking about very individual children and deep, genuine play. Here are three experienced parents talking about what matters most to them about toys and what they learned - after those first social pressures of more-more-more. Toys - what do you need, what do you want, what do you look for, how do you individualize for your child and your family, how do you resist the BIG SELL and the BIG GUILT?
at the table with Anupa, Phyllis and Jessica
Welcome to the world of toddlers and 2's - a world of "no", of "I am powerful", BIG emotions and emotional meltdowns. It isn't easy to hear-see-love the moment of opposition and resistance but it is part of every child's emotional growth. Listen to these moms describe the emotional world of their two-and-a-half year olds and they balance emotional support for their children and their own sanity.
at the table with Stacey, Brooke and Amy
Getting children to sleep and sleep through the night is a never-ending challenges. The best plans and routines are disrupted by a new developmental stage, by teething and illness, by bed hopping, fears and the biggest ones of all - parent guilt and doubt.
Here are three very different stories from three different families. We believe the road to peaceful, easy sleep-filled nights is: clarity, consistency and lots of love. When and how you manage all the various sleep issues is, however, individual and personal. Just remember, you are alone in the struggle - night times are hard for everyone at one time or another.
at the table with Tylah, Bea and Stephanie
Life with kids is messy and divorce makes things even messier. Whether you are a single parent sharing custody and trying to instill consistent values or a single parent 24/7, self-care and finding that village of support is essential. Maybe the hardest part, though, is the guilt and doubt.
At the table with Missy and Shanna.
We know first days of school cause stress for children, well so do the first days of Mommy & Me and Mom & Baby classes. it's a judgy, pressure world out there so let's be there to create nurturing, supportive, accepting, kind places for moms and babies...every day...everywhere! We are all in this together and everyone is trying to be an awesome mom. Let's let them know they already are!
At the table with Allysa, Mel and Stephanie
It's the one year anniversary of See Me Hear Me Love Me and we talk about change and trust, the familiar places that make us feel safe in our parenting. We need those places and especially those people who "see us, hear us, and love us". But, it's only when we leave the "bubble" that we discover all that our children are capable of. Where do we find the courage and confidence? In trusting our children - giving them the space and the opportunity to sometimes fail.
at the table with Lynn, Shirley and Marni....
Welcome to an open discussion about the hardest part of being a mom for you. In between all the love and the joy of raising kids, are all the others moments - guilt, searching for balance, trying to be fair, questioning all the things you do to get by in a day. These are as much a part of being a parent as all the love-filled, happy and fun times. Let's keep it real and support one another through the frustrating and exhausting challenges that are part of everyday parenting.
At the table with Ronit, Shelly and Mariam
Pretend play is one of the most essential experiences for learning and growing in early childhood. It is the "dress rehearsal" for life, for the day-to-day challenges in childhood and in shaping grown-ups-to-be. Halloween makes all that play a shared adventure in schools and neighborhoods.
Let's use the time before and after Halloween to celebrate imagination, big fantastic stories and the power of play!
Today we are talking about how the Jewish New Year is different from the January 1st New Year. Rosh Hashanah gives us that much needed "pause" to look back over the last year - at ourselves and at our relationship with our children - what we knew, what we learned, how we grew and what are our hopes and commitments for the new year.
You will be inspired to savor the holidays ahead and find true goodness in the new year...goodness for yourself and for your families, and for the world.
at the table with Allison, Jessica, and Rabbi David Englander
It's not easy when children don't cooperate, don't listen, or test the limits of a situation. Here is Part 1 of a two-parter on discipline called Manage the Moment. Yes, you got this! Mean what you say and say what you mean. Say things once never more than twice. Manage the situation without over-managing your child, especially without coercion and power plays that escalate the struggles. It all starts with the shift to being on the same side as your child - as teacher, as guide, as skill-builder, as role model.
Part 2 will then help with big picture Rules-Routines-Rituals because discipline isn't just what you do in the moment. It's everything from the time your child wakes up to the time he goes to bed, as well as getting a good night's sleep and refueling your patience too!
Solo conversation with Karen...
Fear, panic, shouting, scolding escalates a stressful scene into a worse one - like gasoline on fire. The mantra of the wise and reasonable parent is: I can handle anything. I can handle tantruming toddlers, whining shoppers, game-playing night-stalkers - the rude, the defiant and the dramatic!
Calm teaches calm. Check your feelings first before trying to help or teach your child.
One-on-one with Karen this episode...
Moms spend an enormous amount of time, heart and energy taking care of others - and we are grateful they do. But every so often, moms need to make an un-mom choice to do something for herself. They try something new. They start something new despite guilt, doubt and obstacles.
Listen to these three bold moms taking a creative leap - for themselves, to inspire others, to be creative, to grow! At the table with Hilary, Allison and Sarah
Now matter how ready you and your child are for back-to-school or for starting school, there are big emotions and challenges. Even when first days go well, week 2 or 3 brings big surprises - tears, fears, doubts, guilt and more. Here is a great conversation about supporting your child with understanding and emotional skill-building and creating the foundation for trust and supportive relationships.
at the table with Beth, Sarah, Erica and Logan
We sit in baby and toddler classes all across the country beaming with joy as if everyone who ever wanted to start a family got their wish without heartache, sadness and unimaginable loss. Those stories don't erased when the baby comes. Today, we honor the painful journey that many parents take to get here, here to family. And we remind everyone with a silent story that they are not alone....especially when sitting in Mommy & Me class, at storytimes or on playgrounds.
at the table with Alex, Laurie and Alexis
Let me introduce you to three uniquely bold and original parents raising each of their children as the individuals they were born to be. It isn't easy to be different, to stand out when others do not understand or when you question if you've been the parent your child needs. Raising an out-of-the-box child is a challenge but you are not alone and you definitely GOT this!
at the table with Layne, Alexis and Janet
Here are Karen's 10 tips for back-to-school stress and anxiety. Change, even positive change change - new beginnings, new teachers, new classrooms, or a new school, are giant opportunities for social-emotional skill building. They are also opportunities for children to learn they are supported and comforted through challenging emotions - fear, anxiety, uncertainty, confusion. Accept all those emotions, yours and your child's. You got this!
Listen as these parents define and redefine choices about God and spirituality for their families and for their young children in very personal ways. Children and parents are changed by the WOW....by being present to the moment and to each other, through mindfulness and connections to community. Listen as Rabbi David Steinhardt reminds us of the holiness of everyday routines. Finding that peace might just be the antidote to all the stress and busyness of a commercial world that creates far too much guilt, doubt and not-enoughness.
At the table with Rachel, Emily, Sandy and Rabbi David Steinhardt
Smart and sensitive kids are the ones who think deeply and feel deeply. They knock you off your game and create lots of doubts and questions in the thoughtful parents who are trying to support and teach them. Celebrate their intelligence while grabbing opportunities to be an "emotion coach" for them. You are their safety net as they try to manage all the complexity of their thoughts, questions and feelings. Watch out though - chances are they have a smart and deep feeling parent too!
At the table with Jolie and Ricky, Erin and Peter....
Potty training is always individual and customized to your child's developmental needs and to your parenting style. Here are my Do's & Don'ts that can help avoid the struggles and some of the frustrations. Start with readiness. Understand the missing pieces of the potty-puzzle so you can support your child's learning. And then give your child the respect and freedom to do this her way, his way. You Got This!
it's a Karen solo podcast but listen to Episode #14 for great stories with easy-to-potty and resistant-to-potty kids
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) gives educators and parents a new way of teaching young learners, as does it's newer cousin STEAM which adds Art to the learning model). Raising children in a rapidly changing world means finding new ways to prepare children for a future different from today, and different from the one in which we grew up. Raising children to be successful, resourceful, resilient and happy in the year 2040 means raising deep critical thinkers who are collaborators and innovators.
Listen to this podcast for a refreshing and exciting conversation with parent/educators who celebrate the essential tools and process underlying STEM curriculum, STEM activities, STEM toys and devices. Plugged and unplugged, the best early childhood learning is STEAM!
at the table with Lori, Alexis and Linda
Here are three experienced and enthusiastic vacation-planning parents. They capture the true reality of family vacations from "am I crazy?" to "let's make this road trip longer". Listen to the some of the challenges and to the great organizing tips that will help you get to your final destination with most of your sanity intact.
At the table with Dalia, Cat and Lane
Should children be held back an extra year before starting Kindergarten? In a world where Kindergarten is the new 2nd Grade, will the "gift of time" help children to grow physically, emotionally and cognitively to meet increased demands and stress? Listen in on a conversation with parents of Summer-birthday boys and teachers who have a perspective on both sides of this issue.
At the table with Lindsey, Janie and Martina
Body Image Part 1, Episode #29, spoke mostly about boys and body image. This episode is a conversation with three moms of girls talking about the unspoken messages and the sometimes less-than-thoughtful comments about bodies, physical ideals, health, self-esteem and individuality. The goal is to raise children who will be resilient in the face of cultural judgments and misguided ideals.
At the table with Nicole, Jody and Bea.
Grandparenting is an entirely new relationship. In some ways, you are different people than you were as parents - different expectations, different commitments, different perspectives. And, in some ways, you are still very much the same person - finding all the best ways to be supportive without being intrusive, respectful without overstepping boundaries, wanting the best for your grown children. These grandparents redefine agelessness. They are as wise as ever and yet younger than ever. Listen as they share "what life is all about"!
At the table with Maddie, Nancy and Fred
Here's a short few minutes just with Karen as Karen reflects on how to be a See Me Hear Me Love Me parent. Three suggestions to hit the pause button and see-hear-feel your child's reality in the moment. And, create the space to honor and create what works specifically for you and for your child.
Be on the same side with your child. Connect the dots - teaching and waiting for learning to catch up. Believe that what you know is enough for today.
You GOT this and you are not alone!
Early Childhood Teachers are magical people! They create a new world in their classrooms - a place of joy and wonder, shared living, friendships and trust, deep feelings, growing together and individually throughout a year filled with thousands of experiences and meaningful moments. All parents will feel enormous gratitude and respect to know...the hearts of teachers!
At the table with Layne, Jami and Randi
The "new" dads are the diaper changers and co-decision makers. They are defining for themselves how dads look, act, speak, and sometimes struggle with being a parent. New research confirms that "dads and moms now share the emotional and the financial burden of raising children, the physical protection and the social encouragement." And PEW Research reports dads' guilt levels can be higher than working moms. If dads begin to measure themselves against the impossible standards that moms feel, if the "new dad" is a be-it-all ideal of perfection and day-to-day reality is not-enough, everyone loses. Let's get this right while we still can support dads in this newly defined role!
At the table with Bryan, Richard and Lynn
Kid-sized philanthropy can start long before children understand the meaning of their actions - first birthday party projects, joining parents in community projects, immersion in a diverse world. Becoming helpers begins by noticing where there are needs and problems to solve. Start with what matters to your child or your family. Listen to 5 year old Lila in this episode who wants everyone to know that helping others to feel better, makes her happy too!
at the table with Amy, Joanna and Lila
Hello parents of one and only one child. Do you have to defend not wanting another? Do you feel guilty at not giving your child a sibling? Do you worry about your child feeling lonely or, dare I ask, spoiled because they only have YOU?
The myth of the spoiled child is only true if parents and child believe that's the only way. Parents have a choice, the choice to be aware and intentional. And, as you will hear in this episode, parents who communicate openly are there to support one another and help a child grow in all kinds of situations.
At the table with Jana, Nicole and Marc
Body image starts with social perceptions surrounding our babies and toddlers begin to internalize the social conventions around 18 months. From "I hate my thighs" baby onesies to "future football player" comments, kids see and hear grown-up messages regularly. Instead of becoming more inclusive about our girl body-standards, we as a culture have become more rigid about boy body-ideals. Let's bring back some sanity now!
At the table with Carol, Carla and Dylan...
Welcome to a conversation about the never-ending quest for peace and balance. How much is enough sanity? How much is enough self-care? How much is too much tequila? How do moms find what they need? How hard is it to discover you don't have to be alone? And, finally, how can you trust yourself and your children in a world with all that Mom Shaming?
At the table with Stephanie and Chelsea...
We teach children to be empathetic givers, not out of obligation or insistence, but rather by generosity and compassion. Listen in as we discuss the age-appropriate struggles of "me-mine" and giving children the opportunity to give "their way". Empathy for others is taught every day, even better when it's a personal connection to real lives. And my favorite take-away - you aren't spoiling your child by living a comfortable life as long as your child sees-hears-connects to a world where so many have so much less.
At the table with Mariela, Kira and Summer
We are breaking the stereotypes today, at least in Early Childhood. When we let kids be who they are and let girls experiment and discover the world around them without gender boundaries, we are raising leaders and thinkers with empathy and self understanding.
At the table with Jody, Lauren and Stacy
Technology is everywhere, even in the lives of toddlers and very young children. This episode has three thoughtful parents of children under 2 discussing how, where and when technology fits into the lives, habits and routines of toddlers and families with little ones. Big questions - no judgement.
At the table with Stephanie, Jamie and Tylah
We are wrapping another school year and that means our pre-k parents are counting the "lasts" - the last time their child will experience the preciousness of a magical place and time before graduating on to a whole new world of Kindergarten. Feel the pride, the excitement and that little touch of sadness with us as we look back and look ahead together.
At the table with Lauren, Lisa and Martina
Traveling with kids is fun when expectations are relaxed and realistic. Plan for contingencies, pack strategically, use lists and organize around children's ages and stages. Best advice: 1. packing is the hardest part 2. Lower your expectations 3. You got this...as long as you don't lose a kid!
At the table with Lindsey, Michelle and Ting
Teaching responsibility and encouraging cooperation can be exhausting when your child wants to do things their way! It takes time and practice for children to learn emotional resilience and self-management. The question in today's podcast is: do reward charts help support that learning? Are they positive behavior tools or are they a form of "negative" discipline, a form of punishment? How will you choose what works for you and your child?
At the table with Marni, Lynn and Shirley
How does a parent make the shift from baby to preschooler...respecting children's choices when they are first finding their own voice - what to wear, what to eat, bedtime and more? It's not always easy to raise children who are seen and heard in ways that honor each stage of development. And yes, good parents lose it too!
Parenting times 2 - twice the love, twice the drama, twice the exhaustion! Twice the admiration and awe for parents of twins who juggle different needs and temperaments, who must find practical strategies for everyday parenting, and who are masters at setting priorities. The parents in this session will inspire you to find your calm, to laugh a little more and to savor the love!!!
At the table with Rita, Logan, David and Katie
Working moms, or is it working-for-pay moms, are essential to the See Me Hear Me Love Me conversation. Here is the second Working Moms segment - choices and expectations, routines and promises, commitments to families, to work, to themselves. And yes, the moms at this table, do it just a little differently than the moms in Episode #13 - because every family has their own story!
You can try to prepare for a new baby but you can never really know until you get there. One thing is for sure - there is ALWAYS more love! 2nd pregnancies worries and guilt, multiples ages and stages, not knowing who to help first? Guess what? You got this!
At the table with Kim, Amy and Jessica
This is not the battle of kids and technology. It is a genuine discussion of the choices parents make, and revisit regularly, in a world where children and parents live with technology every day. Here's a perspective from parents of school-age children - optimism, pessimism, some fear, and "duck tape"!
At the table with Adena, Meredith and Dan
Child behavior is only the tip of the iceberg. What lies beneath is feelings, needs and huge developmental learning. Here's a fabulous conversation as parents reflect on their children's struggles to manage all the emotions and age-appropriate challenges that come with growing and learning. With a little time to pause and reflect, you know your child best of all.
at the table with Lindsey, Ronit andMariela
Dads are hands-on and all-in, very much part of their children's lives. They bring the FUN and they bring a new respect and support for moms. Thanks Dads...for sharing your limitless love for your children and your families!
At the table with Jessie, Todd and Emily
Who knew potty training could be so much fun - great examples, great stories, great questions! Potty training is different for every child as you respect each child's timing and temperament. It's not so bad but there will be funny stories to tell!
At the table with Jamey, Bella and Rob...
All moms are working moms but juggling work schedules and career goals into a busy family life requires ingenuity and flexibility. How do these moms do it? What causes them stress? What helps them from feeling overwhelmed? Are all working moms this organized? Listen in to three moms not taking on the "guilt" of doing more!
At the table with Erica, Lauren and Joanna...
Talking to children about death is one of the hardest things a parent will ever need to do. This podcast conversation may help listeners begin to think about their thoughts and feelings - to find the words, to try to understand what you believe, to feel all the feelings. It's not an easy or fun conversation but one that can't be avoided.
at the table with Michelle, Lisa and Rabbi David Englander
This topic started with a discussion of different expectations for each child and jumped into all the guilt of being fair and doing what's right. Then, it wrapped it all up with love!!! Each child asks something different of us - and living with that is huge and deep. With gratitude for all the parents who give so much...you got this even when it feels so hard!
At the table with Amy, Jessica and Dana
Are you tempted to become a new and improved parent in 2016? Never yell? Infinite patience? Worry less? New Years resolutions get really complicated for parents - all those impossible expectations on yourself and your children. Here are three awesome moms who say, "not me"!
At the table with Dalia, Shirley and Jessica
Yes...girls are powerful fearless people! The girls in this episode are self-directed, embrace novelty and change, experience pure joy at mastery, are confident risk-takers and strongly internally motivated - and they are under 2! And that can make for complicated parenting. Enjoy and let them lead on!
Growing with your child takes parents into The Big Unknown. This episode is about all the things you can't know living them for the first time. In your own time, you discover all the new things your child is ready to do and how "you got this" even when it's stressful and a little scary. Even better with the help of great friends!
At the table with Lynn, Jessica and Marni
This episode is about Mom Friends - finding them, knowing who's really got your back, and your child's, relying on them and more. Everyone needs to know there's someone out there who gets you, who Sees You, Hears You and really Loves the Real You!
At the table with Lynn, Jessica and Marni
What will you buy? What will you avoid? What matters to you about gifts and gift giving? What matters to you about the stuff your child plays with? I'm asking three very thoughtful moms about their holiday toys shopping plans and priorities.
At the table with Nicole, Lindsey and Sarah
Dads of newborns sharing their first-time experiences - wow...wish I bottle this! This episode will melt your heart and take you back to falling in love with your baby. It's pretty clear that feeling is always there to remember, to cherish, to connect you to that baby that stole your heart, no matter how long ago.
At the table with Israel, Jason and Rabbi Steinhardt
As the onlooker and cheerleader for kid-power and for kids finding their own voice, I love it when children test, push buttons and catch you on the hook. It's part of their "job", developmentally speaking. Today we celebrate the testing while still finding ways to say "no", to guide, teach, and expect great things from kids....before they send you over the edge.
At the table with Rita, Stephanie and Laura
All parents do it...bribe, coax, plead, try anything to get kids to do what you want them to do. And it doesn't work. Too often it just gives kids the leverage they need to use against you. Here's a great conversation with three dads about when negotiations are fun and interesting versus when negotiations drive you crazy.
At the table with Adam, Harris and Scott
This one was sooooooooooooo much fun...what happens when your kids have another "script" in mind? I adore all the deep thinking, three-steps-ahead-of-you kids and the parents raising them!!!
At the table with Michelle, Hilary and Andy
Every action, every thought, every feeling is your child creating a self-portrait of who they are and what they need to grow. It's up to us to see, hear and cherish that child and that expression...even if the "portrait" has an extra eye or legs coming out of the head. We will be there to see-hear-love you through. Kids are people and parents are so much more than their roles. Let's start a new conversation...together!
At the table with Lynn, Martina and Harris
The most watched, analyzed, scrutinized generation of parents ever...with more options, endless opinions judging every choice, and overwhelming emotions trying to get it right! No fear - you GOT this!
At the table with Mariela and Kira